Liverpool takes on Ajax on matchday two of the UEFA Champions League. It is Liverpool’s second straight match in the competition following the postponement of their EPL fixture against Wolves. After their horrendous display against Napoli, you’d expect Liverpool to be itching to set the record straight.
The 4-1 defeat to Napoli was Liverpool’s joint heaviest Champions league defeat. Never have the Reds lost two straight matches to begin a Champions league campaign. Liverpool have only lost their first home match in two of the previous 46 European campaigns they have been involved with.
Ajax at Liverpool Champions League Group Stage FYIs
Kick Off: Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022, at 8pm UK at Anfield
Competition: Group A, Match Day 2 of 6
Liverpool Team News: Go Here
After Extra Time Pod: Spotify Apple
Starting XI Prediction
Following their thrashing at the hands of Napoli, Jurgen Klopp suggested Liverpool might need to rethink their approach. With that in mind, I have gone with something completely different for this Champions League fixture against Ajax.
Brazilian Alisson remains in goals, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip in front of him. Joe Gomez had a shocker in the Champions League this week, so he drops to the bench. Trent Alexander Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas start at right and left-back, respectively.
Fabinho plays a defensive six role, shielding the vulnerable back four. Ahead of him, Thiago returns to the starting lineup with the new signing Arthur playing alongside him. Ahead of those two, we see Harvey Elliot playing in a much more advanced role, operating as a number ten – playing off a two-man strike force.
That two-man strike force comprises Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. Mohamed Salah drops to the bench. His form has been poor and it might be the kick up the pants he needs.
I don’t know if the gaffer will go for it, but it is a fresh look at Liverpool. It could be just what the doctor ordered.
Match Prediction
I think the Reds will benefit from having almost an entire week on the training pitch. Particularly if they go for a totally different look, as I have suggested. It’s with that in mind that I am picking the Reds to win this fixture and get their Champions League campaign back on track.
Liverpool 3, Ajax 0
Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He also co-hosts the ‘After Extra Time’ podcast and contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits.
Football mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.